K'taka allocates Rs 148cr for tourism

Karnataka has made a budgetary allocation of Rs 148 crore for tourism in the state this fiscal. State tourism department director Somashekhar said the funds would be utilised for the overall development of tourism.

Somashekhar said the Suvarna Rath Yatra (Golden chariot) to mark the golden jubilee of the formation of Karnataka would commence on November 1.

The journey starting in Bangalore will reach Goa after passing through Srirangapattanam, Mysore, Shravanabelagola, Belur, Halebeedu, Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal. The yatra, to be organised in association with Indian Railways would have 80 tourists on 18 coaches.

He said the deputy commissioners of all districts have been asked to start tourism clubs in schools to create awareness among the children on important tourist spots in the state.

The Centre has provided Rs 10 crore for setting up food craft institutes at Dharwad and Hassan. These institutes would hold degree and post-graduate courses in tourism and hospitality, he said.

He said a committee has been constituted to suggest measures to make Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal Halebeedu, Belur, Shimoga, Agumbe, Maravante, Dharmasthala, Jog and Kollur more attractive.

Somashekhar informed that Rs 3.25 crore has been earmarked by his department for converting Sadhanakeri Lake in Dharwad into a tourist spot The 'Cultural Island' will have an open air theatre, Dr Da Ra Bendre's statue and connecting roads. A committee under the chairmanship of the deputy commissioner has been already constituted in this regard, he added.

The government has already sanctioned Rs 50 lakh for the conversion of Nrupatunga Hill into a tourist spot while Rs 10 lakh has been released for the development of Unkal Lake.